With the rise of healthy living, more and more people are turning to tea as their drink of choice. Tea isn’t just a beverage — it brings relaxation, refreshment, and nourishment to the body and mind. Whether it's a warm cup of green tea in the morning or a fruity infusion in the afternoon, tea has become an essential part of daily life for many. However, with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to choose the right tea that’s both healthy and full of flavour. Here are 3 key things to look out for when selecting your tea:
Pesticide Residues: A Hidden Health Risk
You might be surprised to learn that pesticide residues in tea can pose potential health risks. According to Greenpeace, conventional teas often contain high levels of pesticides, some of which exceed safety standards. A study by Glaucus Research found that 91% of Celestial Seasonings teas tested contained pesticide residues. The research also revealed that 77% of the teas tested didn’t meet EU pesticide import standards, and could potentially be banned from entering the market. Furthermore, 62% of the samples contained traces of aldrin — a pesticide banned in over 144 countries due to its links to fertility issues and potential harm to unborn babies.
Flavoured Teas: Beware of Artificial Additives
Flavoured teas have become increasingly popular. According to MarketResearch.com, the global flavoured tea market was valued at £2.6 billion in 2022, and it’s expected to grow to £4.7 billion by 2030. However, this surge in popularity has led some brands to use excessive artificial flavours to mask the poor quality of their base tea. While flavoured teas may have stronger scents, they often fail to deliver the natural tea aroma and health benefits you’d expect from a premium product. When selecting flavoured teas, always check whether they contain artificial additives.
Sweeteners: Hiding Low-Quality Tea Flavours
In addition to artificial flavours, sweeteners are often added to lower-quality teas to mask their bitterness. While sweeteners themselves may not cause harm in moderation, they can alter the natural taste of the tea and may have negative long-term health effects. When choosing tea, it’s important to check whether added sweeteners are included in the ingredients.
Toss & Brew’s Recommendations
As a brand that values quality and purity, Toss & Brew follows strict standards to ensure every cup of tea meets the highest expectations:
Choose Organic Tea
We highly recommend choosing organic tea. High-quality tea should release a natural, gentle aroma when brewed, rather than an overpowering or harsh scent. Good tea should retain its flavour after two or three infusions, with a clear and naturally coloured liquor. At Toss & Brew, we only source tea from certified organic tea estates that meet EU pesticide residue standards. Additionally, we rigorously test each batch to ensure its quality meets our high standards.
Know the Source of Your Herbal Tea’s Flavour
For herbal or fruit teas, we recommend understanding the source of their flavour. At Toss & Brew, our herbal teas contain no artificial fragrances. While many brands use artificial flavour oils to boost fragrance, we stick to traditional methods, using high-quality herbs and fruits from trusted growing regions. We believe that natural aromas and flavours are far superior to synthetic additives. Although this approach comes with higher costs, it’s a commitment we stand by.
Avoid Teas with Added Sweeteners
We suggest avoiding teas that contain added sweeteners, as they are often used to mask the tea’s natural flavours. Instead, we recommend adding natural sweeteners like honey or stevia to your tea according to your personal taste. This way, you can enjoy the pure flavours of the tea while adjusting the sweetness to your liking.
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